The win stopped a short two-game losing skid as Sam Houston State fell out of first place in the Southland Conference after losing to Abilene Christian and Lamar. SHSU (18-8, 9-4), which had won eight straight before the two losses, is in second place behind New Orleans.

Butler and Jovante' Spivey added 12 points apiece for the Bearkats who won the battle underneath, pulling down 15 more rebounds than Incarnate Word.

The Cardinals led 50-49 at the 11:13 mark of the second half. John Dewey III hit a 3-pointer to retake the lead and the Bearkats never trailed again, leading 69-59 with 50 seconds remaining.